As I woke up this morning and did my daily routine of exercise, breakfast, rinse and repeat, one thought stuck in my head, "I can't believe today is the day".
Today is officially the last day of the 2011-2012 Literacy*AmeriCorps term of service for the Central Texas members. As today winds down to a close, I am filled with amazement and joy. I remember our first training day on September 1, 2011. I was nervous, unsure of how my term would progress, and feeling a little isolated from everything I left behind since graduating that August. I didn't know anyone in the room and I was questioning whether I had the skills to do what I was being asked to do for the next "year" of my life. On that first day, 11 months felt like an eternity that would never end. July 31 was a distant goal that I was sure I would never reach.
There is no doubt about it that this AmeriCorps term of service kicked
my butt. I was mentally and physically exhausted at times. I felt like
I was ritualistically praying and offering up sacrifices each month. Once my AmeriCorps coins went to pay for rent and
health care, I had about $20 in my account at any one time. It made me
think twice about fast food, happy hour, and jay-walking through high
traffic areas.
Now, here I am. It's July 31 and I am amazed that I did it. I am amazed at how hard I worked my rump off these past 11 months. I am amazed at the changes I made at my service site and within myself. I am amazed at the friendships I made. And I am amazed at the place I have carved out for myself in the local community. Most of all I am amazed and proud of the 17 other members who served their term alongside me. They made everything more interesting, more exciting, and more enjoyable. I can't imagine having spent my time with a better cast of characters (I say that lovingly, of course!)
I am glad that we all decided to take this journey. This past year has refined us all, has made us all open our eyes to see the world in a different way. We are all concluding our term with lasting friendships and relationships, whether they be with other members or with people at our sites. And that is the true reward of our service - the friendships we make. So "CONGRATS!" to everyone for an amazing year and when that education award rolls in, try not to spend it all in one place.
